You’ve got to wonder how this happened: “You’ve got a lot of confidence for a dog your size. I like that,” a golden retriever said flirtatiously to a dachshund. “Well, today’s your lucky day, because I’ve got a thing for tall blondes,” the dachshund replied with a roguish wink. After a few dates in the park, a coy game of tug and war, the love of a lifetime blossomed between the fetching couple, and along came this guy, a gorgeous golden retriever-dachshund mix. You don’t see this kind of dog very often, but we sort of want one. He makes us believe all those romantic comedies about how opposites attract.
http://now.msn.com/golden-retriever-dachshund-mix-is-proof-that-opposites-attract

The event is nationally sanctioned by the National Dachshund Foundation, said April Danahy, marketing director for Security National Bank. The grand champion and reserve grand champion will be eligible to go the national dachshund races in Finlay, Ohio.

“We’ve been pleased with the community support, spectators and racers, as we raise money for animal-related causes,” Danahy said.

Paws 4 the Cause helped raise money for EPD to purchase a K-9 patrol dog when Rex retired, for trees and bushes at the dog park and watering stations for dogs along Enid’s Trail System. Last year, it helped raise money to establish three outdoor adoption areas at the city of Enid animal shelter.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and racers and their owners. A great group of people put it on every year and it continues to grow,” Danahy said. “Racers from as far away as Arkansas come over to compete. The goal is to provide a family fun event that’s safe for animals and fun for spectators.”

Eagle Marketing’s Frank Baker said he has been pleased with the way the community has embraced the event.

“Nothing against two-legged people, but I’m a big dog fan,” Baker said. “It’s great to see money funnel back to tangible things for pets.”

Baker also reminded people who may attend that the event will be air conditioned inside the Expo Center. He thanked Lynne Benkendorf of Eagle Marketing for handling the logistics of the event.

“It is sanctioned by the people who put on the Wiener Nationals in Ohio,” Baker said. “I encourage people to come out. It’s just the goofiest, sweetest thing you can see.”

Three age groups of dachshund athletes will compete. The age groups are puppies 4 months to one year in age; adults one year to eight years in age; and seniors eight years and up. All racers must be full-blood dachshund. This year, there will be additional races for mixed-breed dachshunds.

Owners may register their dogs at The Groom Closet, 2005 W. Chestnut. Registered dachshunds will be randomly drawn to participate in the dash, as limited racing spots are available. There is a $20 registration fee for racers registered by the July 8 deadline. Late registration fee is $45. Information is available at enidpaws4the cause.com.

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All proceeds go to DREAM Dachshund Rescue, an all-donation supported, all-volunteer rescue for dachshunds and dachshund mixes in our geographical area – Atlanta, North Georgia, and Savannah, DREAMDachshundRescue.org.

Georgia Dachshund Races is a member of the National Dachshund Circuit Races.

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TAMPA – Chain store pharmacies have more than just people drugs on their shelves.

Some retail giants now fill your cat or dog’s prescription too.

“Those compared to what you get at your veterinarian — significantly less,” said Amy Stanley, Target Pharmacy Business Partner.

Four bucks is what you’ll pay for some, but not all, pet medication at Target. Publix offers some pet antibiotics for free. Other big box stores like Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart will fill pet prescriptions too.

They are some of the same medications pharmacies stock for us, only in doggy doses, which is why dog owners like Kerry Dudley chose to fill and buy them here instead of from a vet.

“You have to shop, and its well, well worth it,” she said.

While saving money is a good thing, a local vet says it may not be the best option for your animal’s health.

“Our training in veterinary physiology and veterinary pharmacology or how drugs act in the body, is important,” said Dale Mabry’s Animal Hospital’s Hansel Leavengood, D.V.M. He explains that a regular pharmacist doesn’t have a vet’s medical expertise or training.

Florida law means vets are required to hand over a written prescription if a client requests it. Federal legislation would make vets go a step further, forcing them to physically give the script to the client every time — request or not. The client would then have the option to hand it back or take it somewhere else to fill.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is lobbying against ‘The Fairness to Pet Owners Act.’ An AVMD representative says they are not against cheaper or more available veterinary drugs but they do oppose the administrative burden it would put on vets.

“All they can do is fill the prescription, they cannot, in most cases, inform the client,” Leavengood pointed out.

He says he wants his pet owners to have both — good prices and the best care.

He matches low prices when he can, but when drugs are free, he says, he can’t compete.